BEST Centre @ PES University Celebrates 1st Anniversary, Showcasing Impactful Skilling Model for Engineering and Polytechnic students from Rural Karnataka

Bengaluru, July 11, 2025 — The Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre at PES University marked its first anniversary today, celebrating a successful year of inclusive skill development with a strong focus on rural youth, industry-driven training, and sustainable employment outcomes.

The event was graced by Dr. SharanaprakashRudrappaPatil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, who commended the centre’s efforts:
In his address Dr Sharan Prakash Patil remarked “The BEST Centre reflects what true skill development should be—inclusive, immersive, and industry-led. The special focus on regions like Kalyana Karnataka shows how targeted interventions can unlock the potential of our rural youth. I congratulate PES University and Bajaj Auto for setting a new benchmark. We are happy to extend any support for such initiatives especially supporting skilling for youth from Tier 2/3 cities across Karnataka”.The Minister also said that he would be sending a Team to the Centre to study the model being followed so that the same can be adopted in other centres for achieving skilling excellence and make the students job ready.

Over the past year, the centre has successfully graduated three rural and two captive batches, with structured training in automation, manufacturing fundamentals, industry 4.0 and workplace readiness, under nationally recognized certification frameworks such as ASDC and with 100% placement into the manufacturing industry. The program’s end-to-end ecosystem—from mobilization to placement—has become a model for state-wide adoption. The BEST facility set up at PES University campus at Banashankari is one of the largest manufacturing skills center in the world and currently helping over 360 engineering gradates get skilled into advanced manufacturing skills fully aligned with the industry requirements.

Prof. Jawahar Doreswamy, Chancellor, PES University, reflected on the journey:
“This is not just a skilling initiative; it is a transformative movement at grassroots. Our immersive model—designed with heart, discipline, and hands-on rigor—is helping rural students dream bigger and succeed impacting their families and communities. BEST represents PES Group’s commitment to bridging the gap between the potential and the opportunity.”

The anniversary event also highlighted the pivotal role of Bajaj Auto’s CSR partnership in shaping this high-impact initiative.

Mr. Sudhakar Gudipati, VP, CSR, Bajaj Auto, shared his thoughts:
“At Bajaj Auto, we believe in the power of skills to uplift communities. Our collaboration with PES University has proven that co-created, well-executed skilling programs can change lives. The BEST Centre is an example of how industry and academia can come together for social good.”

Mr. F R Singhvi, Joint Managing Director of Sansera Engineering, Dr. Suryaprasad J, Vice Chancellor PES University, Prof Ajoy Kumar, COO, PES University, Dr Nagarjuna Sadineni, Director BEST@PESU, Dr Sridhar KS , Registrar were present in the event along with many industry, academic partners, faculty and students from BEST

About PES University
PES University, one of South India’s leading institutions, is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact. The university’s efforts in skill development, research, and entrepreneurship aim to prepare students for real-world success with responsibility.

About Bajaj Auto CSR
Bajaj Auto Ltd. demonstrates a strong commitment to society that extends well beyond its business operations and empowers communities. The company’s CSR efforts are strategically designed, leveraging core strengths to create meaningful change for both people and the planet.Bajaj Auto CSR’s focus area is skilling the youth in manufacturing and STEM.It is working to position India’s youth at the forefront of industrial transformation through its flagship initiatives like — Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST)

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